Low Profile Plate with Set Screw for Spinal Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal fusion and stabilization systems lack effective solutions for providing stable and secure fixation of vertebral bodies during the fusion process, particularly in cases where bone screws may back out over time, leading to instability.
Innovation Solution
The development of a low-profile plating system comprising a spacer and a plate that are independently attachable, featuring angled screw holes and a set screw mechanism to prevent bone screw back-out, along with texturing and locking mechanisms for secure engagement with vertebral bodies, allowing for secure fixation and fusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bone screws are used to fixate vertebral bodies, then stabilization is achieved, but bone screws may back out over time leading to instability
Solution Approach 1:
The set screw is pre-configured in the plate to oppose and prevent the back-out motion of bone screws. The set screw can be adjusted to contact the bone screw shaft and apply a counteracting force that prevents the screw from backing out, thereby addressing the reliability issue before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a mechanism where the set screw provides continuous feedback control on the bone screw position. By allowing adjustment of the set screw along the plate length, the system can respond to and correct any tendency of bone screws to back out, maintaining stable fixation over time.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a plating system is used to stabilize the spine, then vertebral alignment is maintained, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plating system is divided into modular components: a plate with multiple openings at different angles, adjustable set screws, and bone screws. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to overall stabilization, making the complex system more manageable and adaptable to different surgical needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate is designed with multiple openings at various angles that can accommodate bone screws for different vertebral bodies. The same plate structure serves multiple functions: providing attachment points for screws, incorporating set screws for prevention of back-out, and maintaining alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple different components.
3Reliability
If angled screw holes are provided in the plate, then secure engagement with vertebral bodies is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different openings in the plate are provided with different angles tailored to specific anatomical requirements. Each opening's angle is optimized for its intended use (e.g., upward angle for upper vertebral body, downward angle for lower vertebral body), allowing secure engagement at each location while maintaining overall manufacturability through standardized production techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application generally relates to orthopedic systems, and in particular, to systems including independent plates and spacers. A plating system can include a spacer and a plate that is independent from the spacer. A number of locking mechanisms can be provided to secure the plate to the spacer. In some cases, the spacer includes a pair of notches that extend on an outer surface of the spacer. The plate can include a pair of lateral extensions that can engage the notches to secure the plate to the spacer. In other cases, the spacer includes an opening including a pair of inlets. The plate can include an enclosed posterior extension that can be received in the pair of inlets to secure the plate to the spacer.